The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa concluded a two-day meeting with the newly established South African Queens Council.
The Council is a landmark initiative designed to enhance the role of Queens in promoting social cohesion, leading special projects, and driving socio-economic development within traditional communities. The newly established Council constituted by Queens, announced its leadership as follows:
Chairperson:Queen Tina Madosini Ndamase, Deputy Chairperson: Queen Neo Mononela Mopeli and Secretary: Queen Lolita Hokwana Matanzima. The election of Queen Neo Mononela has been hailed and welcomed with pride.
Queen Neo Mononela Mopeli from Qwaqwa in the Free State was elected unanimously as the Deputy, a huge honour for the Free State, ensuring that the province is well represented in the council. Queen Mopeli is ready to hit the ground running and to excel in her role.
The Council, first announced by Minister Hlabisa on 27 October 2024 during a government and traditional leadership meeting in Pretoria, provides a platform for Queens to support Their Majesties in their customary duties and serve as trusted advisors on key matters impacting their communities.
This initiative by Minister Hlabisa recognizes the Queens’ roles and leadership in advancing the well-being and development of traditional communities.
Presenting the Council’s adopted Terms of Reference, Deputy Chairperson, Queen Mopeli, outlined its mandate and guiding principles. She emphasised that the SA Queens Council is not a parallel structure to the Kings Forum but rather a supportive body that works alongside the Kings to whom the Queens are married.
The Queens Council will spearhead initiatives and programs, including:
1. Social Cohesion: Enhancing unity and harmony within traditional communities.
2. Special Projects: Leading targeted initiatives to address community needs.
3. Socio-Economic Development: Driving sustainable development in rural areas.
4. Community Support: Assisting indigent families with tailored interventions.
5. Preservation of Culture and Heritage: Managing projects to uphold traditional practices and promote cultural pride.
The Council will also take an active role in: Engaging with stakeholders on moral regeneration and the preservation of cultural heritage, Leading discussions on harmful cultural practices. Addressing critical social challenges such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and Benchmarking and sharing best practices from projects led by Queens in various communities.
Presenting the Council’s five-year plan, the Queens indicated that the Council strategic pillars will be based on: Economic development, Education and skills development, Women and youth empowerment, Advocacy and policy engagement, and Social development and welfare
The Queens signed a pledge to work together as a single, indivisible movement under the banner of traditional leadership. They pledged to collectively, be able to do more in pursuit of improving the quality of life of all women from the respective communities whilst discharging responsibilities nationally and globally.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Hlabisa indicated that COGTA aims to, through this Council, enable Queens to promote nation-building and social cohesion underpinned by the principles of Ubuntu; partner with government and stakeholders to advance rural development.; promote peer learning to share knowledge and successful practices.
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